Celtic 4-0 Dundee United: Player ratings + talking points as Martin O'Neill restores feel-good factor in Parkhead rout
How we rated the Celtic players in their 4-0 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United at Parkhead
Martin O’Neill THIRD stint as Celtic manager got off to an impressive start as his side thrashed Dundee United 4-0 to return to second place in the Premiership table.
Following last weekend’s bruising Old Firm defeat to their arch rivals, Hoops legend O’Neill was back in the Parkhead dugout following his appointment as Wilfried Nancy’s successor until the end of the season.
And the Irishman once again managed to lift much of the gloom around the Scottish champions as his players put on a clinical display against a Tangerines side in freefall and devoid of imagination.
O’Neill received another huge standing ovation before kick-off from supporters and Celtic dominated from the outset with Auston Trusty seeing a close-range header flash wide of the far post before Daizen Maeda clipped the top of the crossbar in the early exchanges.
Having reverted to a back four, they eventually made the breakthrough after 27 minutes when Yang Hyun-jun continued his goal scoring form by collecting Liam Scales’ pass before drilling a low shot past Dave Richards into the net via a slight deflection.
United rarely ventured forward into Celtic’s half during the opening 45 minutes, with Kasper Schmeichel a mere spectator for large spells of this contest. Their best opportunity fell to teenage prospect Owen Stirton who robbed Trusty of possession but delayed his shot to allow covering defender Scales to produce a vital goal-saving block.
Midfielder Arne Engels doubled the hosts’ advantage five minutes later when he turned home Kieran Tierney’s cross unmarked in the box with a well-taken one-touch finish.
A similar theme continued into the second half with Celtic utterly dominant. The pacy Sebastian Tounekti - back in the starting XI after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations with Tunisia - was getting plenty of joy down the left flank and he fired narrowly over the top within three minutes of the restart.
Substitute Benjamin Nygren - Celtic’s top scorer so far this season - adding a third goal to kill the game by steering a dinked finish into the bottom corner after being picked out by Engels.
Maeda then added a touch of gloss to the score line after pouncing on an error from United shot-stopper Richards who failed to hold Sebastian Tounekti’s low drive from the edge of the area. The goal stood after a brief VAR check for offside.
It had been a stroll in the park for Celtic and Johnny Kenny almost got in on the act in the closing stages when he was sent clean through on goal, but the Republic of Ireland international was unable to beat Richards from a tight angle.
The victory lifts Celtic above Rangers in the table and back within three points of league leaders Hearts, albeit Danny Rohl’s side are in action against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday.
Here, GlasgowWorld breaks down three main talking points from the game and how the Celtic players fared:
O’Neill back with a bang as confidence returns
The spirits have been lifted around Celtic Park thanks to one man - Martin O’Neill. Following Nancy’s sacking earlier this week, the Celtic fanbase needed something to cheer about and they go just that when the 73-year-old was confirmed as the caretake boss for the remainder of the campaign.
He made an immediate impression by reverting back to a 4-3-3 formation and his players looks much happier in a system that has brought the club so much success over the years. His side played with a confidence that was sorely lacking during the Frenchman’s tenure.
Tounekti electric on return from AFCON
Celtic have had to make do without the winger’s services in recent weeks after his international involvement, but Tounekti looked back to his best here with a performance full of attacking verve.
Immediately re-installed to the starting line-up, the Tunisian was always a threat and gave United backline a torrid time. His shot created the chance for Maeda to slot him Celtic’s fourth.
Araujo makes his mark on first start
Given the lack of form Anthony Ralston has shown and the continued absence of Alistair Johnston, it was no real surprise to see AFC Bournemouth loanee Julian Araujo given the nod to start his first match at right-back.
Despite his lack of minutes so far this term, the Mexican international slotted in pretty seamlessly for an hour before earning a rest. He looked comfortable being pushed forward and was solid defensively when called on. Picked up a yellow card for a lunging challenge on Will Ferry that probably forced O’Neill’s hand to withdraw him from the action. Positive early signs.
Celtic player ratings vs Dundee United
GK - Kasper Schmeichel (6/10)
RB - Julian Araujo (7/10)
LCB - Liam Scales (7/10)
CM - Callum McGregor (7/10)
CM - Arne Engels (8/10)
CM - Reo Hatate (6/10)
RCF - Yang Hyun-jun (8/10)
LCF - Sebastian Tounekti (8/10)
ST - Daizen Maeda (7/10)
Subs used: Colby Donovan (4/10), Benjamin Nygren (6/10), Johnny Kenny (4/10), Luke McCowan (4/10), James Forrest (3/10).